Millions of dollars in federal funding is making its way to Missouri, in an effort to improve internet access in the Show-Me-State.
On Thursday, the Biden administration approved a $14 million grant, as part of its digital equity plan. According to officials, the money will go towards increasing internet access, while also making it more affordable for residents.
Additionally, plans also outline focusing on increasing access to low-cost large-screen devices and providing skills to navigate online resources.
Recent data shows parts of the state, particularly rural areas, still struggle to get internet. According to studies, more than 1.26 million Missourian’s don’t have access to high-speed internet. This is equal to 20% of the state, with data showing over 1.04 million of those residents living in rural parts of the state.
Meanwhile, out of Missouri’s 361 rural school districts, only 22% have high levels of broadband connectivity, according to research. The impacts are also reaching beyond the classroom, as experts said a lack of internet is also making it difficult to receive tele-health services.
According to executive director of the Missouri Rural Health Association (MRHA) Heidi Lucas, groups across the state have seen a rise in Telehealth services following the Covid-19 pandemic. She said it can be a useful tool, as Telehealth allows people to have their needs met immediately.
“A lot of times, folks in rural communities could be an hour away from their primary care provider, they could be an hour and a half or longer to the nearest hospital,” Lucas said. “Being able to access Telehealth to be able to get your needs met, to figure out if you need to make that hour drive–you would be able to make that decision.”
After working with groups across Missouri, Lucas said many rural areas still struggle to provide adequate access to Telehealth services, due to a lack of infrastructure.
“We still run into a number of barriers here in our rural communities throughout Missouri, where they just don’t have the broadband access available…to have a face-to-face conversation over the phone,” Lucas said.
She said using funds to help ensure all areas in the state have internet access could reduce this problem. Lucas also said while MRHA supports efforts to increase internet infrastructure, she realizes it could take a while before the change is complete. In the meantime, the group is supporting strategies that make Telehealth more internet-friendly.
“We are advocating for both better infrastructure, but while we’re waiting on that, we’re also advocating that Telehealth can be audio only,” Lucas said.
As of now, participants must also show their face on video in order to receive any Telehealth services.
